Algeria apologizes to Congolese Dr Lebaba statue for Africa Cup of Nations superfan

The Algerian Football Federation has apologized to a Congolese superfan who became one of the stars of the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga supported the Democratic Republic of the Congo by dressing up as Patrice Lumumba, the country’s revered first leader, and standing still during every match.

He stood on a pedestal, raising his right arm like the famous statue of Lumumba in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as fans cheered around him.

But after Algeria’s win over Leopards on Tuesday, Algerian player Mohamed Amin Amourra faced backlash for imitating Mboldinga and falling to the ground like a statue being toppled.

This prompted the 25-year-old striker to issue an apology on Instagram, saying his actions were not intended to disrespect the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Desert Foxes looked set to head into penalties before Adil Burbina scored in the 119th minute to secure a place in the quarter-finals against Nigeria on Saturday.

“At that moment, I didn’t know what the people or the symbols in the stands represented. I just wanted to joke in a good-natured way, without any malice or wanting to piss anyone off,” said Amora, who also plays for German side Wolfsburg.

Lumumba is regarded not only as a hero in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (he was assassinated in 1961 in a conspiracy backed by Belgium, Britain and the United States), but also as one of the most prominent voices in Africa’s anti-colonial movements.

Mbolinga, whose hair and glasses looked remarkably like Lumumba, was visibly distraught as Leopards were knocked out of the competition after the final whistle at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium on Tuesday.

He took off his glasses and wiped away his tears, slowly got off the makeshift base, and leaned on it with his head in his hands.

After Amula issued a statement of contrition, the Algerian Football Federation (Faf) contacted Mbodinga and invited him to meet with the players at the North African team’s hotel in Rabat.

The super-fan was unable to travel to the Moroccan capital, so Fife’s media officer Said Felak traveled to the Novotel hotel in Casablanca on Wednesday evening to visit him and other Congolese fans.

Ferak presented Mbolinga with his own Desert Foxes jersey with “Lumumba’s” name emblazoned on the back.

Congolese fans captured video and photos of the goodwill deal attended by Congolese Sports Minister Didier Boudinbu, which showed Mboldinga wearing a new jersey standing next to Felac.

It is unclear whether the Lumumba superfan and his admirers will travel to Mexico, where the Jaguares are expected to compete in March’s much-anticipated continental qualifiers for the World Cup.

Six teams will compete for the final two spots in the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

Algeria has qualified for the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, and Amoura hopes he can see the Panthers play there as well.

“I respect Congo and their team. Honestly, I wish them all the best and hope they qualify for the World Cup,” he said.